PSG v Metz – Hernandez has strong words on the squad, ambitions and Monaco

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·22 February 2026

PSG v Metz – Hernandez has strong words on the squad, ambitions and Monaco

Lucas Hernandez, 30-year-old defender for Paris Saint-Germain, stopped in the mixed zone after the 3-0 victory against Metz (video highlights PSG/Metz) this Saturday at the Parc des Princes as part of the 23rd matchday of Ligue 1 2025-2026.

Hernandez: “All the players are here and it’s great for the future.”

“Did you need to reclaim first place? We were aware that Lens had lost (2-3 against Monaco) and that we could take back the top spot in the standings. That was the objective, and it’s accomplished. Confidence before Monaco? Of course, especially for certain players who need to build confidence, this match was perfect for us. We showed that everyone is ready, present, and if the coach needs us, all the players are here and it’s great for the future.

Hernandez: “It’s a job that is built little by little.”

The decisive part of the season? The most important moment of the season is coming. If we hadn’t done the work up to now, we wouldn’t be in this position… It’s a job that is built little by little. Now, it’s the decisive moment, we have to step up. Unfortunately, we’re out of the Coupe de France but we’re still alive in the other competitions and we want to try to go all the way.

Hernandez: “We know nothing is done yet.”

The return leg against Monaco? They’re a very good team. We saw that in the first leg (3-2 win on Tuesday). We came back from 2-0 down, which wasn’t easy. Wednesday, here, it will be a different match, but we know Monaco is capable of great things, they showed that against Lens. We’ll have to be ready. We know nothing is done yet,” said Hernandez, as reported by Le Figaro.

PSG was able to watch the Lens match before their own, or at least follow the result. With the defeat against Monaco, the idea was clear: win to reclaim the first place lost last weekend. A great motivation, even if a win would also have “forced” Paris to prevail. Still, there’s a certain satisfaction in regaining the top spot. Now, they’ll have to manage to defend it. The group’s experience can help manage this title race.

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All this while progressing in the Champions League, with qualification to be secured this Wednesday against Monaco after the 2-3 win in the first leg. The Parisians are in a good position, but Hernandez is right to point out that qualification is not guaranteed. Monaco will fight, they showed great resilience at Lens to overturn a 2-0 deficit. Caution is needed, and the only focus should be on winning. There will be no holding back.

PSG can count on its well-equipped squad to string together matches. The “backups” showed against Metz that coach Luis Enrique can trust them. The objectives are clear, but there’s still work to be done. As Hernandez points out, it’s the efforts of an entire season that pay off. Even if it’s the most exciting part that’s taking shape now.

This article was translated into English by Artificial Intelligence. You can read the original version in 🇫🇷 here.